Mss Eur F699/1/2/2/2

Contains docketed sets of papers, numbered 21 to 40, which mainly consist of correspondence relating to appointments to posts and other matters. These papers were originally contained in one bundle of one hundred docketed sets of papers, labelled ‘No. 1 Private Secretary’s Correspondence, Nos. 1 to 100’. Each numbered set of papers usually consists of an original letter sent to the Private Secretary to the Governor General, or to the Governor General, a copy of the reply from the Private Secretary, Humphrey de Bohun Devereux, and any other papers accompanying the original letter. In addition, for each set of papers, either on the back of the original letter, or on a separate sheet of paper, is written the number of the set of papers, the year, the name of the writer of the original letter, the official position and location of the sender, the date the letter was despatched, the date it was received, the date it was answered, any cross references to other papers, a brief summary of the letter and a note of any enclosures. Numbers 23, 29, 30, 35, and 37 have a red cross, to indicate that they were not to be destroyed.

21. February to March 1856. Letter from Lieutenant V H Whitlock, 5th Madras Native Infantry on leave, Bellary. States the circumstances under which he did not obtain a life pension for the loss of a limb in the late Burmese War, and begs that he may, for the reasons assigned, be appointed to a Staff appointment, notwithstanding that he has not passed the required examination. Copy of reply he must first pass the Staff examination.

22. March 1856. Letter from Mr C Stephen, Dacca. Although his name has appeared in the Government Gazette as an extra Assistant in the Punjab he has received no official letter of his appointment. Copy of reply, the Gazette is sufficient authority.

23. February to April 1856. Letter from Mr G Plowden, Commissioner of Nagpore, Seetabuldee. Encloses a letter from Mr Ellis withdrawing his resignation of his appointment in Nagpore; and Captain Chesney has sent in his application for permission to resign his civil appointment in Nagpore in preference to being remanded to his regiment in disgrace, and submits arrangements in consequence. Also two letters from G F Edmonstone about these arrangements. Copy of two replies, various appointments in Nagpore. See also 191, 223, 225, 129.

24. February to March 1856. Letter from Sir. R N C Hamilton, Governor General's Agent, Central India, Camp, Nursinghur. Dr Timins has resigned the appointment of Assistant Surgeon to the Bhopal Contingent and to the Political Agent, and recommends in his place Dr Chisholm of the Madras Army. Copy of reply, that Timins has been replaced by Dr C Thomson. See also 107, 119.

25. March 1856. Letter from Dr W B O'Shaughnessy, Superintendent of Electric Telegraph, Calcutta. The decision about the salary of Lieutenant R Murray, his son-in-law, Commandant of Reserve Company of Artillery in Oudh is ruinous to Lieutenant Murray, and he hopes may either get the acting appointment to Lieutenant Ashe's Battery, or be permitted to resume his situation in the Jubbulpore survey. Endorsed: no answer.

26. February 1856 Letter from M. G F Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Forwards the Durbar account for Feb 1856. (No longer enclosed).

27. December 1855 to March 1856. Letter from Mrs C Durance, St. Georges East, London. Applies for a situation in the Customs Department or Honourable India House for her son. Copy of reply, refusal.

28. February to March 1856. Letter from Captain M Taylor, Deputy Commissioner. Hyderabad Ceded Districts, Camp, Moolug Asks for an appointment as Commissioner with 3 enclosures. Two 1 anna stamps. Copies of 2 replies, application noted.

29. March 1856. Letter from Lieutenant Colonel E J Dickey, Superintendent of Studs, Buxar. In reply, would not advise the transfer of Major Apperley, Deputy Superintendent of the Central Stud to the charge of the Studs in the North West Provinces, for the reasons assigned in the annexed letter from himself to the Military Secretary, giving cover to a similar application from Major Apperley in Jun, 1855. Also memorandum. Endorsed: No answer at present.

30. March 1856. Letter from Major S C Macpherson, Calcutta. Announces that he has received notice by E.T. from telegraph from Gwalior that Her Highness the Maharanee has given birth to a daughter: request permission to congratulate the Maharajah. Copy of reply, Governor General sends congratulations.

31. March 1856. Letter from Monsieur Delmary, Calcutta. Offers 10 tickets to the Governor General for a French play. Copy of reply, tickets returned.

32. March 1856. Letter from Mr F W Cannon, Marine Assistant to the Commissioner of Arracan, Commanding the Flotilla, on leave, Calcutta. Asks for a change of appointment, either at the Residency or at Rangoon, for health reasons. Copy of reply, no vacancy, application noted.

33. March 1856. Letter from Captain Y K Haslewood, Invalid Establishment, late of 1st European Bengal Fusiliers, Fort William. Asks to be appointed A.D.C. to Lord Canning, or to some other office. Copy of reply, unable to offer appointment on Governor General's Staff application noted, testimonials returned.

34. March 1856. Letter from Major H M Durand, Engineers, Calcutta. Asks for employment in the Political Department, states his services in memorandum. Copy of reply, no vacancies, application noted. See also 312, 874, 1245.

35. February to March 1856. Letter from Major J Nicholson, Deputy Commissioner in the Punjab, Camp, Bunnoor. Renews his solicitations for a transfer from the Punjab to any other station. Note for reply by Lord Canning; copy of reply, regretting that at present there is no vacancy, and hoping that Major Nicholson will change his mind, as his services are of great value. Endorsed: Major Nicholson is one of the best and most distinguished Irregular officers in India - his service on the Punjab frontier has been invaluable, and his loss would be almost irreparable. Mr. Lawrence can give full information regarding his case. See also 270 , 271.

36. March 1856. Letter from Mr B C Bailey, Inspector in Charge, Telegraph Office, Calcutta. Forwards a copy of Mr Courtenay's instructions for delivery of shipping reports to the Governor General, wishes to have arrangements confirmed. Copy of reply, arrangements confirmed.

37. March 1856. Letter from Dr W B O'Shaughnessy Superintendent, Electric Telegraph, Calcutta. Requests the Governor General's sanction to go to England via Constantinople, with a letter of introduction to the British Ambassador there: he is investigating the possibility of direct telegraphic communication between London and India. Note for reply, by Lord Canning; he may go via Constantinople, but with the distinct understanding that the time of his stay in America may not be curtailed on that account. Copies of 2 replies to this effect. See also 43.

38. February to March 1856. Letter from Captain W W Aubert, 34th Native Infantry Benares. Asks for employment. Copy of reply, application noted. Governor General's Book No. 6.

39. February to March 1856. Letter from Captain J E Fraser, 4th Native Infantry Noorpoor. Encloses 3 further references.

40. February to March 1856. Letter from P Tharacaram, a student in the Patcheopah School, Madras. Reminds Lord Canning of a conversation between them at the School, and prays that his Lordship may assist him to continue his studies for 3 or 4 years longer. Two 1 anna stamps. Copy of reply, refusal.